Communications Coordinator

Position Title: Communications Coordinator
Division / Department: Communications
Classification (FLSA): Full-time, Exempt
Position Group: Special Payroll
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Anticipated Work Year & Hours: 260 Days (12-Month)
Union Membership: N/A
Reports to: Director of Communications

General Description:

The Communications Coordinator supports the District's strategic communications efforts with a primary emphasis on multimedia storytelling, digital content creation, photography, videography, social media and website communications.

Working closely with the Director of Communications, the Communications Coordinator identifies, develops and produces compelling stories that showcase the students, staff, schools, programs, achievements and community partnerships of Proviso Township High Schools District 209.

This position serves as a key content producer for the Communications Department and manages multimedia projects from concept through production and publication. The Communications Coordinator regularly works across all District schools and departments and must be able to manage multiple projects, respond to emerging communications needs and provide coverage of District events that may occur during evenings and weekends.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Education:
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Digital Media, Marketing, Film/Video Production or a related field preferred.

Licensure: N/A
Endorsement: N/A

Experience:

• Three or more years of professional experience in communications, journalism, multimedia production, marketing, public relations, digital media or a related field preferred.
• Exceptional storytelling skills with demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through written, visual, audio and digital mediums.
• Demonstrated experience producing multimedia content from concept through completion, including planning, scripting, interviewing, filming, photography, editing and publishing.
• Strong experience shooting and editing short-form, social-first and longer-form video content.
• Strong photography skills, including experience photographing events, people, activities and environments under a variety of lighting conditions.
• Strong interviewing, writing, editing and proofreading skills, with the ability to create clear, accurate and engaging content for a variety of audiences.
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously and meeting short- and long-term deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience developing content for websites, social media platforms, newsletters and other digital communications channels.
• A professional portfolio or work samples demonstrating experience in video production, photography, digital storytelling or related multimedia work is strongly preferred.

Knowledge / Abilities / Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of multimedia storytelling, video production, photography, audio production and digital content creation.
• Ability to pitch, plan, shoot, edit and publish multimedia stories independently in the style of a multimedia journalist (MMJ).
• Proficiency with professional cameras, lenses, lighting, microphones, audio equipment, tripods, stabilizers/gimbals and related production equipment.
• Proficiency with professional video and photo editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Lightroom, After Effects, Final Cut Pro or comparable platforms.
• Experience with graphic design and visual content creation platforms such as Adobe Creative Suite and Canva.
• Knowledge of current social media platforms, trends, algorithms, audience behaviors and platform-specific content best practices.
• Strong knowledge of writing, grammar, spelling, punctuation and AP style.
• Ability to quickly comprehend and synthesize complex information into clear, concise and audience-appropriate content.
• Familiarity with website content management systems such as Finalsite, WordPress or similar platforms.
• Familiarity with mass communications platforms, email marketing systems and digital publishing tools.
• Understanding of website accessibility, digital accessibility and best practices for accessible communications.
• Knowledge of social media, website and digital content analytics and the ability to use data to inform communications strategies.
• Strong organizational, project management and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment and prioritize competing assignments.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with administrators, staff, students, families, community partners and members of the Communications Department.
• Ability to work effectively with and tell authentic stories representing diverse populations and communities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to make students, staff and community members comfortable during interviews, photography and video production.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when working with sensitive District matters.
• Ability to pack, transport, set up and operate cameras, tripods, lighting, microphones and associated multimedia equipment at District schools and other locations.
• Ability and willingness to travel between District facilities and attend events outside of regular business hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary Range: 70,000 - 85,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Benefits: District 209 Benefits Package.
• Twelve-month, 260-day position.
• Position may require occasional work outside normal business hours, including evenings and weekends.

Application Procedures:

Apply online through the Proviso Township High Schools District 209 employment application system.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a portfolio or examples of professional work demonstrating video production, photography, multimedia storytelling and/or digital content creation.

Selection Process:

All applicants must complete a District application to be considered for employment. Applications will be reviewed. Interviews of selected qualified applicants will be conducted, and a qualified candidate will be recommended by the hiring supervisor to the Office of Human Resources. District 209 ensures equal employment opportunity, as outlined in Board Policy 5:10. The Superintendent is responsible for making final hiring recommendations to the Proviso Township High Schools Board of Education. Employment is subject to the recommendation of the Superintendent, the approval of the Board of Education and the results of required processes outlined in Board Policy 5:30. No individual shall begin work until receiving written approval from the Office of Human Resources. It is the responsibility of the individual who has sought employment to ensure that official approval from the Office of Human Resources has been granted prior to beginning any type of employment.

*Disclaimer:

This job description describes duties and responsibilities representative of the nature and the level of work assigned to the position. The identified duties and responsibilities and other information contained in this job description are intended only as examples of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the school district and employee and is subject to change by the school district as the school district's needs and the job change's requirements. The information contained in this job description is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Other duties may be required and assigned. The site of employment is subject to change based on the needs of the school district. As outlined in Board Policy 5:32 Nepotism, no person with an Interested Relationship with any member of the Board of Education, the Superintendent or a District-level administrator shall be eligible for employment in the District.

For Additional Information Contact:

Office of Human Resources

Proviso Township High Schools District 209 8601 W. Roosevelt Road Forest Park, IL 60130 708-338-5900

Proviso Township High Schools District 209 does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, and other protected categories as set forth in Board Policy 5:10